India vs New Zealand ODI 2026 squad announcement: Focus shifts to Kohli-Rohit comeback plans

The Indian cricket selectors are likely to announce the squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand today, January 3. The tour will feature a total of eight matches, including three ODIs and five T20Is, and will run from January 11 to January 31.

This ODI series is being closely watched, as it could mark the return of several senior players to the 50-over format. Star batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have generated significant buzz around their possible inclusion. Both players have stepped away from T20 internationals, and a return to ODIs could strengthen their chances of being considered for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup.

Unlike previous announcements, there will be no press conference to unveil the ODI squad. As a result, the team selection will not be broadcast live, and fans will have to rely on official updates from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The BCCI has already confirmed India’s squad for the T20I series against New Zealand. The team will be led by Suryakumar Yadav, with a mix of experienced players and young talent forming the core of the side. The T20I squad includes Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, and Ishan Kishan.

New Zealand have announced a combined squad for both the ODI and T20I series, with Michael Bracewell named as captain. The touring side also features players such as Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Henry Nicholls, Kyle Jamieson, Will Young, and several emerging talents.

India vs New Zealand ODI Series Schedule

• The first ODI will be played on January 11 at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, starting at 1:30 PM IST.
• The second ODI is scheduled for January 14 at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, with the match beginning at 1:30 PM IST.
• The third and final ODI will take place on January 18 at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore, also starting at 1:30 PM IST.

India vs New Zealand T20I Series Schedule

• The T20I series will begin on January 21 at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur, with a 7:00 PM IST start.
• The second T20I will be held on January 23 in Raipur at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium.
• Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium will host the third T20I on January 25.
• The fourth match of the series is set for January 28 in Visakhapatnam at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium.
• The five-match T20I series will conclude on January 31 at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.